Unit Three Enquiries and Replies 1.Objectives:To let students 1)understand the aim of making enquiry and what a "first enquiry"is; 2)learn the general rules that should be observed when writing or answering an enquiry letter. 3)understand the differences of phrases used for polite inquiries between chinese and english 2.Contents: 1)In foreign trade,enquiries are usually made by the buyers without engagement to get information about the goods to be ordered,such as price,catalogue,delivery date and other terms.Enquiries may be either dispatched by mail,cable,telex,fax,email or handed to the suppliers through personal contact. 2)It is essential in making enquiries to consider carefully to which region or regions the enquiries are to be sent and how many suppliers are to be approached in one and the same region.Failure to take into consideration the relevant situation would lead to an adverse effect on future transactions. 3)If your are an enquirer,you should state clearly in your enquiries to foreign suppliers your exact requirements,inclusive of price,discounts, terms of payment,and the length of time required for delivery.There is no need for long,over-polite phrases and still less for humbleness. Nowadays,many firms even use a printed enquiry form instead of a letter. 4)A "first enquiry",that is an enquiry sent to a supplier whom you have not previously dealt with,should begin by telling him how you obtained his name.Some details of your own business,such the kind of goods handled,quantities needed,usual terms of trade and any information likely to enable the supplier to decide what he can do for you,will also help. 5)Enquiries should be addressed to the company because,in this way, your letter will receive quick attention.If you address the enquiries to an individual,your letter may have to wait while he is away.Or you may make a mistake and address it to the wrong individual,and this will also mean delay. 6)In conclusion,enquiries should be brief,specific,courteous and 6 6 Unit Three Enquiries and Replies 1. Objectives: To let students 1) understand the aim of making enquiry and what a “first enquiry” is; 2) learn the general rules that should be observed when writing or answering an enquiry letter. 3) understand the differences of phrases used for polite inquiries between Chinese and English 2. Contents: 1) In foreign trade, enquiries are usually made by the buyers without engagement to get information about the goods to be ordered, such as price, catalogue, delivery date and other terms. Enquiries may be either dispatched by mail, cable, telex, fax, email or handed to the suppliers through personal contact. 2) It is essential in making enquiries to consider carefully to which region or regions the enquiries are to be sent and how many suppliers are to be approached in one and the same region. Failure to take into consideration the relevant situation would lead to an adverse effect on future transactions. 3) If your are an enquirer, you should state clearly in your enquiries to foreign suppliers your exact requirements, inclusive of price, discounts, terms of payment, and the length of time required for delivery. There is no need for long, over-polite phrases and still less for humbleness. Nowadays, many firms even use a printed enquiry form instead of a letter. 4) A “first enquiry”, that is an enquiry sent to a supplier whom you have not previously dealt with, should begin by telling him how you obtained his name. Some details of your own business, such the kind of goods handled, quantities needed, usual terms of trade and any information likely to enable the supplier to decide what he can do for you, will also help. 5) Enquiries should be addressed to the company because, in this way, your letter will receive quick attention. If you address the enquiries to an individual, your letter may have to wait while he is away. Or you may make a mistake and address it to the wrong individual, and this will also mean delay. 6) In conclusion, enquiries should be brief, specific, courteous and